My name is Len and I live in Westford MA. Unlike Joe, I did not start playing hockey until after I graduated from college - and firmly believe that learning hockey is like learning a language - if you don't start by the time you are 5, you are doomed. I built my first backyard rink in 2006 and have ...

Jesse - hopefully this season will be much better than last year. In terms of kick plates, I use the ones from NiceRink but there are other alternatives. I am not sure what it is called but am guessing that Lowe's/Home Depot sell rolls of plastic kickplate material that you would normally use above ...

Danny - I agree with Joe's suggestions that you don't let the prospect of leaves/twigs keep you up at night - there are much worse things that could happen - like miscalculating the grade of your yard. One suggestions for you if you decide to go down the 2 X wood frame path. I used these: http://www...